Impact of PNF and MET technique on hamstring flexibility among university students with hamstring tightness

Abstract

Background. Hamstring tightness affects pelvic posture, contributing to symptoms such as low back discomfort and improper lumbar-pelvic area motions. The purpose of this study is to determine the immediate effectiveness of both Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) interventions on hamstring tightness. A paucity of literature has left a research gap on this topic. Thus, my study aims to compare the effects of these two interventions on improving hamstring flexibility among university students with hamstring tightness. Methods. Group I, consisting of 20 subjects, received PNF for 30 minutes. Group II, also consisting of 20 subjects, received MET for 30 minutes. The study was conducted for 4 weeks. Results. The ROM variables were examined using an independent ‘t’ test with a significance level of 0.05. The mean ± SD of the difference in hamstring ROM for the PNF group was 9.77 ± 4.01° and 10.7 ± 5.21° for the MET group. This indicates that a marked difference was obtained between Group I and Group II, as well as a substantial variation between both the pre-intervention and post-intervention values. Conclusion. The findings demonstrated that both PNF and MET significantly improved (p = 0.000) ROM. Meanwhile, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was found between these two interventions.